A Canadian man, Devin Wolfgang Vanderhoef, was sentenced to two consecutive life terms for trying to kill two people in Monterey County, including a woman he met online. Prosecutors say he traveled from North Vancouver to California in November 2024, bought kn
On the night of the attack in Monterey County, Devin Wolfgang Vanderhoef did not show up as himself. He arrived posing as an Amazon delivery driver—an opening gambit that gave him a foot in the door before the violence began.
A judge sentenced Vanderhoef, 26, of North Vancouver, British Columbia, on Thursday to two consecutive life sentences for the attempted murder of two people, one of whom he met online. The woman he targeted lives in Salinas.
Prosecutors said Vanderhoef traveled to California in November 2024 after building his connection with the woman through online gaming. He bought knives, handcuffs and duct tape, then surveilled her home and workplace. When he approached the residence on the night of the attack, the female victim’s boyfriend answered the door.
Vanderhoef forced his way inside and stabbed the boyfriend. Both victims were able to run outside as the attack continued. The male victim managed to disarm Vanderhoef and stab him in the struggle. Even then, Vanderhoef tackled the female victim and choked her until she could not breathe. Both victims survived.
In court, prosecutors said Vanderhoef confessed that he had been obsessed with the woman for a year and had been planning the attack for more than a month before he flew to California. He also told investigators, according to prosecutors, that his plan was to “actually kill someone.”
The case reached into the air above the Pacific as well. Vanderhoef traveled to California with a friend, Darius Avery White. White was arrested while sitting on a flight to return to Canada. White later testified against Vanderhoef. He pleaded guilty to assault charges and was sentenced in April.
Vanderhoef received more than life sentences. In addition to two consecutive life terms, he was sentenced to five consecutive years for inflicting bodily injury and using a weapon during the commission of a crime. He was convicted after a jury trial in February.
Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto said in a statement, “We hope this case serves as a powerful reminder that online interactions can carry real world consequences, and we encourage parents and community members to remain engaged, informed, and proactive in protecting themselves and their children.”
Monterey County attempted murder Devin Wolfgang Vanderhoef North Vancouver online gaming Amazon delivery driver Salinas Darius Avery White Tina Nieto